Novelty Iron Works
Sterling, Whiteside Co Illinois
In 1872 or 73 a change of name was made to Novelty Manufacturing Company, when in 1884 Messrs. Charles Presbrey and Edward Thomas leased the plant and commenced the present firm of C.H. Presbrey & Co. doing business as the Novelty Iron Works. For the last eleven years this fctory has enjoyed an excellent business; in fact, up to last July they kept the wheels running continually. Since that time business has been somewhat slack, owing to the general depression of business throughout the country, but the management look forward to an increase in trade during the coming spring.
From the Sterling Standard December 11, 1896